Baucus and the Threshold — So Senator Max Baucus, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has released his “mark” on proposed legislation — which would normally be the basis for the bill that eventually emerges from his committee. And serious supporters of health care reform will soon face their long-dreaded moment of truth.

Snowe: I Haven't Changed, My Party Has — It would be easy to over-interpret this statement from Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), but it would be a mistake to dismiss it. — “I've always been a Republican for the traditional principles that have been associated with the Republican party since …

Obama: Legalize illegals to get them health care — Republicans see a backdoor move toward ‘amnesty’ — President Obama said this week that his health care plan won't cover illegal immigrants, but argued that's all the more reason to legalize them and ensure they eventually do get coverage.

Latest Updates on Protests in Iran — To supplement coverage of new opposition protests on Friday in Iran by our Times colleagues Alan Cowell and Robert Worth, The Lede is tracking reports of the events online. Readers who are in Iran or in touch with people there are encourage to use …

Mandatory Insurance Is Unconstitutional — Why an individual mandate could be struck down by the courts. — Printer — Friendly — Federal legislation requiring that every American have health insurance is part of all the major health-care reform plans now being considered in Washington.

No, It's Not About Race — You wouldn't know it to look at me, but I go running several times a week. My favorite route, because it's so flat, is from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol and back. I was there last Saturday and found myself plodding through tens of thousands of anti-government “tea party” protesters.

Duo in ACORN Videos Say Effort Was Independent — Duo in Sting Video Say Their Effort Was Independent — The proposition was outrageous, outlandish, and right up James E. O'Keefe III's alley. Hannah Giles was on the phone from the District, and she was asking him to dress like her pimp …

Conservatives use liberal playbook — Conservatives are coming for the Democrats on their blind side — the left. — The evidence is everywhere. — At tea parties and town halls, conservative demonstrators oppose health care reform with signs bearing the abortion-rights slogan …

Sources: Transit hub likely target of terror plot — (CNN) — A terror plot that came to light this week following raids in New York may have been targeting a major transportation center, sources close to the investigation told CNN on Thursday. — There was planning and preparation for an attack …

Memo to the DNC: What were you thinking? — The add essentially takes a non-issue for a vast majority of people and reminds the world how many czars Obama has. Geez. Talk about keeping a story alive. The RNC should list the ad as an in-kind contribution.

Pagan ‘King’ Has Council GOP Nod — Dan Halloran, the Republican candidate for City Council facing primary winner Kevin Kim in the 19th District, already has a leadership role in a vast community that very few people know about - or understand. — Halloran is the “First Atheling,” or King …

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